Here at Southwest General Health Center, we take pride in our work and
in our commitment to providing top quality healthcare and support for
patients in the greater Cleveland area. Community members were responsible
for founding our non-profit, 350-bed hospital in 1920. Since then, we
have continued to build our reputation for service and commitment to the
care and wellness of our neighbors in southwestern Cuyahoga, northern
Medina, and beyond.

One of the factors that continues to set us apart here at Southwest General
Health Center is our team of medical professionals and support staff who
truly care about our community and believe in the work we do. If this
message and perspective resonates with you, consider joining our team
here at Southwest General! Our career opportunities provide plenty of
space to grow and thrive. We focus on ensuring that all of our team members
have prospects for increased wellness, personal fulfillment, and growth
on a professional level.

The Southwest Community Health Foundation helps to provide outstanding
care for patients by raising philanthropic support for Southwest General
within the communities we serve. Leadership at The Foundation includes
a committed Board of Trustees and a talented team of non-profit professionals,
bolstered by the work of our active volunteer committees. Through the
generosity and dedication of our supporters, we will continue our commitment
to the health and wellbeing of greater Cleveland for generations to come.

To schedule an appointment for services at any of our facilities call:440-816-8605*This number is NOT for scheduling a physician office appointment. Please use our
Physician Directory to find a physician office number.

Southwest General Launches Peer Support Team Program in Response to Rising Fatal Drug Overdose Numbers

Southwest General Launches Peer Support Team Program in Response to
Rising Fatal Drug Overdose Numbers

Middleburg Hts., OH
(Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018) – A recent spike in fatal drug overdoses in Cuyahoga County has
officials concerned that there could be as many drug-related deaths in
2018 as last year’s record-setting total of 727 fatal drug overdoses,
according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.

In response to these troubling statistics, a program for rapid overdose
response has been implemented at Southwest General through a partnership
with the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services
Board (ADAMHS) and The Woodrow Project.

“If an individual within the community overdoses, the standard course
of action is for him or her to be brought to the Southwest General Emergency
Department (ED) by either the fire or police representative,” explains
Michael Waggoner, RN, MSN, director, Oakview Behavioral Health Services,
Southwest General. “Once the individual is medically cleared, he
or she will be offered the opportunity, while still in the ED, to speak
with a peer support specialist through The Woodrow Project.”

“The Woodrow Project is managed by people who are in long-term recovery
with many years of sobriety and who have experience working with addicted
individuals,” says Erin Helms, executive director, The Woodrow Project.
“The peer support specialists support individuals on the road to
recovery by providing them with the tools and education needed to make
the most informed decision regarding their treatment path.”

Research has shown that implementation of peer support specialists can*:

Improve quality of life,

Improve engagement and satisfaction with services and supports,

Improve whole health, including chronic conditions, such as diabetes,

Decrease hospitalizations and inpatient days, and

Reduce the overall cost of services.

“Additionally, we are working closely with Southwest General, along
with several area Police Departments, including Berea, Middleburg Hts.,
Strongsville, Olmsted Township and Newburg Heights,” says Helms.

These area Police Departments are committing to combatting the opiate epidemic
by encouraging opiate users to seek recovery and connecting people with
treatment programs through the “Safe Passages” initiative.
The program is designed to help those suffering from addiction receive
help through a treatment program rather than using the power of arrest
to combat the problem.

“The peer support specialists are a critical link between the treatment
system and the larger communities where those struggling with addiction
live,” says Waggoner. “We are grateful to bring this exceptional
program to Southwest General as we continue to focus on providing rapid
intervention for individuals who have overdosed.”

For more information, or to speak with a Southwest General representative,
please contact Caroline Fienga, interactive media and public relations
specialist, at 440-816-6723 or cfienga@swgeneral.com.

About Southwest General Southwest General is a private, not-for-profit, 350-bed acute care facility
located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Founded in 1920, Southwest General
is home to nationally recognized physicians with full access to state-of-the-art
technology. Southwest General has a deep commitment to providing personalized
care and building a healthy future for the patients, families and communities
it serves. For more information, visit swgeneral.com or find Southwest
General on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.